OTHER FEATURES

• Stress-Free Temperature (SFT) Track Installation Method
• Method of self-contained modules in which rail is unfastened and refastened to complete one module before moving to the next.
• Enabled MBRP destress crews to complete an average 1320 metres of track per day, compared to an average 660 metres per day under the traditional method. •   
• The module method simplified management of the SFT track installation - saving both time and money - and has been adopted across other ACCIONA projects. V/Line Type Approval for Recycled Glass Sand
• MBRP was the first Regional Rail Revival project to procure and implement a recycled glass sand product.
• The team overcame challenges collaboratively, working with ASQ to gain V/Line Type Approval and meet specification, with the product now being used across other rail projects in Victoria.
• The recycled glass sand replaces 100% virgin sand used in CSR bedding, exceeding the project’s requirement to replace 25% of virgin sand – to date 750T have been used on MBRP.
• ASQ is a locally owned and operated company supplying quarry products in Long Gully. By incorporating these materials, MBRP promotes and strengthens the regional supply chain and connection to the circular economy. 100% Recycled Flagging
• The Murray Basin Rail Project identified an opportunity for a sustainable procurement initiative to reduce waste through the use of 100% recycled flagging, supplied by Cacti Conserve, a certified Social Enterprise.
• Flagging is used on the project for compounds, laydowns, tree protection zones, other no-go zones and to prevent impacts to native vegetation.
• Thorough investigation was conducted into recycling virgin flagging at end-of-life and indicated that no facilities are currently able to accept virgin flagging for recycling due to lack of technology for processing.
• Supplier data base tools were utilized to find Cacti Conserve, a social enterprise that could provide 100% recycled flagging (including the rope) for the projects. Cacti Conserve’s flagging is made from 100% recycled post-consumer and industry plastics and is distributed in 100% recycled packaging, which significantly reduces waste to landfill and contributes to creating a circular economy. And at the end-of-life Cacti Conserves 100% recycled flagging can be recycled via local textile recycling schemes
• To date, MBRP has used 22.3km of this flagging – equating to 46% of flagging on the project being made with recycled materials and is recyclable itself.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Location: Wadawurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Eastern Maar and Barenji Gadjin
• North Western Victoria including Merbein, Donald, Ouyen, Murrayville, Tourello, Emu and Ararat to Maryborough.
• Contract type: Alliance comprising ACCIONA, SMEC, V/Line and Rail Projects Victoria.
• Year of project completion: TBC.
• Project value: AUD $244 Million.

BENEFITS

• The Murray Basin Rail Project will deliver key benefits for primary producers and freight operators across the Murray Basin freight network, and support 1000 direct and indirect jobs during delivery.
• Upgrades to the Ouyen to Murrayville Line, including re-sleepering, adding ballast and adjusting track, are now complete which has resulted in the removal of speed and heat restrictions that had previously limited use of the line.
• Track upgrades from Ararat to Maryborough, including re-railing and a passing loop, will increase load capacity to 21 tonne axle loading (TAL) and improve travel times by enabling freight trains to operate at higher speeds.
• Siding works at the Donald Yard will provide improved operations for freight trains and wagons to be stored when not in use.
• Extending the siding at Merbein will allow for the stabling of a 1200-metre train off the mainline to help increase capacity for rail freight users in the region.
• The revised package of works will increase the number of weekly train paths on the Murray Basin network from 28 paths to 49 paths, removing thousands of truck trips from Victorian roads.
• These works will address key operational issues identified by industry and will deliver more freight paths, reduce journey times and boost network reliability and resilience.
• The revised program of works has been developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, with their feedback used to inform the project scope and staged delivery of works.
• The project will increase the capacity, reliability and efficiency of the network, supporting the movement of goods by rail.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

• This project will benefit the rail freight operators and users by delivering more freight paths, reduced journey times and improved network reliability and resilience.

INDIGENOUS INVOLVEMENT

• In the spirit of reconciliation, the Murray Basin Rail Project acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connections to land, river, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

• We are an inclusive work place that embraces diversity across our organisation in all its forms.

ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION

There is a range of approaches undertaken by MBRP to shift freight towards rail transport rather than road. This results in freight transport that is more sustainable and less carbon intensive. During the project’s construction there have also been activities that have delivered benefits for the environment. This is demonstrated by the example below:

Sustainability results on the Ararat to Maryborough Line

One of the big benefits of upgrading the Ararat to Maryborough Line is reducing the number of trucks on country roads. Reducing our reliance on truck transport was also a focus during construction. The 165 metre strings of rail length for the project was delivered from South Australia through 11 separate freight train trips. This replaced the equivalent of 357 truck trips for the more than 800-kilometre journey each way.   It is estimated that delivery by rail has cut GHG emissions by 76% compared to the emissions generated by trucks. This is just one example of the Murray Basin Rail Project’s environmental and sustainability initiatives.